PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Police in Portage are asking for the public’s assistance as motor vehicle thefts are increasing throughout the city.
The department says that since the beginning of 2021, most of the vehicles stolen in Portage have been unlocked with the keys still inside the vehicle.
Portage Police cruiser (photo by John McNeil)
In addition, many of the vehicles taken were running and left briefly unattended. The department listed a car warming up in a driveway or left running while
the owner goes into a business momentarily as examples.
Police say limiting the opportunity is always the first step in theft prevention.
The Portage Department of Public Safety recommends these practices:
- Do not leave your car running unattended. In some cases if a vehicle is left running and has a keyless push-button start, it can be driven away and operated without the fob until the vehicle is turned off.
- Do not leave your keys or fob inside your vehicle.
- Always lock your vehicle, regardless if parked in a lot or driveway.
- Don’t let a potential car sale be a car theft. Be cautions of “test drive” requests; either do not allow them, or ensure you are in control of the test drive. Always ask for positive identification in those cases.
Anyone with information about the recent increase in motor vehicle thefts is asked to contact the Portage Department of Public Safety at 269-329-4567 or Silent
Observer at 269-343-2100.
Tips can also be filed online at www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
